Class Racing Farce

[GrapeApe7575]

Watching this dog and pony show has just reminded me once again what a farce I have subscribed to After spending more than any reasonable person could justify to build what I expected to be a reasonably competitive car only to put hundreds of pounds of weight and hours of detuning it to stay "on the porch" I have realized the stupidity of it all.

The lack of AHFS control(the farce) and the fact these guys can go out there and run one and a half seconds under their supposedly carefully calculated index is just laughable. They will go home next week, load the trunk with lead, drain the 3in1 oil out and fill the crankcase with 20-50w. and head to the lanes at their next divisional to play the game of keeping their index from being hit the following week. This has almost nothing to do with innovative tuning, research and development, or chassis science....it's about playing the ridiculous cat and mouse game with NHRA.

So if it bothers me so much why don't I just turn it loose and run it like the hot rod I planned? No really....tell me why I don't!

Pardon my whine.....just in a bad mood tonight after seeing a car in my class run .6 tenths faster than my .85 under car.....and this just happened to be the closest platform!!! I probably should stick to Facebook and just go post pictures of my tacos, fake pictures of Trump beating a baby, or play Kandy Krush.....or something other than the tongue lashing that's surely coming my way from the enlightened masses.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

I'm sure someone who believes they spent an unreasonable amount on a .50 under car feels the same way about you and your .85 under car.

[GrapeApe7575]

I don't fault anyone who can build a 1.50 under car....I salute them and try to emulate them. It is the ridiculous classification system in which we compete that I am referring to.

[rx dealer]

I think that you will more competitive playing Kandy Krush. Wow how exciting.

[rboyle]

I mostly would have to agree. There are obviously some combos that are better or softer. I also realize that more research and planning prior to jumping into a car/combo could have us all driving cars that fit into those softer combos or classes. The individuality and disparity is what makes Stock so intriguing though.
That aside though, in all honesty NHRA probably does not need to suspend the AHFS for this race. It is the most prestigious race on the circuit for any class racer to win his class at so the fast cars would still let it all hang out most definitely, and the Factory cars that don't qualify for F/S/XX should then just not qualify just like the traditional Stockers that do not Qualify for the field must go home too. It would be more equitable for the classes overall and the AHFS would keep the playing field more even over the long haul.
Just my 2 cents

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by GrapeApe7575

I don't fault anyone who can build a 1.50 under car....I salute them and try to emulate them. It is the ridiculous classification system in which we compete that I am referring to.

So would everyone feel better if the 1.50 under guys kept getting AHFS hits in any given class? The way I see it, the guys that can run the furthest under will win no matter what system is in place, and as well they should.

[Gary Smith]

Originally Posted by Nmbr1GMfan

So would everyone feel better if the 1.50 under guys kept getting AHFS hits in any given class? The way I see it, the guys that can run the furthest under will win no matter what system is in place, and as well they should.

That's easy to say if you've never run a low hp combo and receive an early 5hp Christmas gift like some of us have in the past. For me that meant an extra 200 lbs. That's like taking $7500 out of your work and tossing it into the dumpster. We all love wanting to find ways of making our stuff go fast. But I think Kirby has a point how AHFS continues to be exploited by the fat wallet racers. A guy with the $150,000 F/SA car will always control the "budget" $25,000 F/SA racer. They can buy horsepower and buy the NHRA at the same time.

[Pistol Pete]

But the thing to remember is: The #1 qualifier at this race doesn't get a 1st round bye.
It's definitely a High Prestige Self Awarding Accomplishment to do whether it's at Indy or any other National or Divisional Race to be # 1.

The other point is: You can be .85 under & make it to the finals as long as you do not race the 1.45 under car during the rounds. And even if you did run him, he still has to stage the car & race you, everyone knows in this sport "anything can happen".

Here in Div. 1 at 1 of our points races 1 guy made it to finals in Stock Elim. by barely running his index, so anything is possible.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Gary Smith

That's easy to say if you've never run a low hp combo and receive an early 5hp Christmas gift like some of us have in the past. For me that meant an extra 200 lbs. That's like taking $7500 out of your work and tossing it into the dumpster. We all love wanting to find ways of making our stuff go fast. But I think Kirby has a point how AHFS continues to be exploited by the fat wallet racers. A guy with the $150,000 F/SA car will always control the "budget" $25,000 F/SA racer. They can buy horsepower and buy the NHRA at the same time.

There's a good posibility I may learn something new here being a newb, but no matter what rules are in place won't it always be the "fat wallet racer" that has an advantage in class eliminations? Throw everyone in the bracket end of this and all of a sudden the playing field looks pretty level.

[Pistol Pete]

Originally Posted by Nmbr1GMfan

There's a good posibility I may learn something new here being a newb, but no matter what rules are in place won't it always be the "fat wallet racer" that has an advantage in class eliminations? Throw everyone in the bracket end of this and all of a sudden the playing field looks pretty level.

100% Correct unless your running against Mr Fat Wallet Racer heads up during the rounds